12:18 PM

At 5:50 am this morning personnel from Portland's Rose City/Hollywood Fire Station 28 were called to assist a resident who's dog had fallen into a hole. On arrival, firefighters were met by an elderly, disabled gentleman who led them to the backyard where they found the hole. Firefighters attempted to call the dogs name to no avail. They then gathered the necessary equipment to survey the hole without causing further cave in.

Firefighters used a ladder to bridge the hole and with the help of a flashlight were able to see inside. At the bottom of the 6' deep hole firefighters could see a dirty but otherwise apparently unharmed dog waiting. Firefighters immediately began widening the hole and executing a rescue plan. Once the hole was wide enough, Firefighters were able to secure the dog and pull him from the hole. The dog was then reunited with it's owner.

The origin of the hole is unknown to the property owner. It may have been an old cistern, a cesspool or something else entirely. PF&R personnel will be working to get the homeowner in touch with the proper resources to fill the hole in permanently.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds residents that in the event of a cave in the surrounding ground may be unstable and rescue attempts by untrained individuals can make the problem worse. It's important to call 911 so that trained personnel can evaluate the situation and effect a safe rescue.